Saugeen Shores’ Port Elgin is well-known as a summer destination for the Lake Huron beaches and water fun around the lake and the Saugeen River.
A not-so-well-known fact about Port Eglin is the abundance of birds and wildlife between the Provincial Park, the town, the shores, and the river. In addition to being a great place for a beach vacation, Port Elgin can also offer a natural escape with recreation like hiking or biking, wildlife viewing, and paddling.
The shores of Port Elgin are lined with public beach space, making these relaxing spots easy to access from several of the town’s cottages.
Summer Beach Fun & Water Adventures in Port Elgin
The Main Beach in Port Elgin offers a perfect beach day experience between the nearby eateries and stores, on-site amenities, and excellent sunset views over Huron. Plus, Port Elgin surrounds the Saugeen River as it meets with Huron. These areas, plus Port Eglin’s other beaches, and MacGregor Point provincial Park, leave room for swimming, sunbathing, river paddling, and fishing.
- MacGregor Point Provincial Park sits alongside a small sandy beach south of Port Elgin with picnic areas, washrooms, and changerooms. The park is also a great place for canoeing and kayaking with access to the Saugeen River.
- The Main Beach is located beside the Harbour and at the end of Green Street with plenty of sandy space and spots for swimming. This Port Elgin beach is also close to several town eateries and shops.
- People often speak of the incredible sunsets to witness while on this part of the Lake Huron shorelines. And Miramichi Bay is the best location in the area for sundown. The pebbly beach makes it more suited to wildlife and bird watching, picnics from the benches, or for access to the North Shore Trail.
- Eidts Grove Beach is a short drive south of town. This experience will be much quieter as the beach is further from shops or restaurants. The sandy and grassy spots are surrounded by shallower waters. Gobles Grove offers a similar experience, as well as a playground and shallow swimming spots.
- Shipley Beach is a bit closer to town and is best accessed by a walk or bike ride from town as parking is limited.
- Find summer rentals for paddling the Saugeen River from the local Thorncrest Outfitters, or feel free to bring your own canoe, kayak, or SUP.
The Best Hiking Trails around Port Elgin
MacGregor Point Provincial Park is an excellent source of hiking and cycling trails near Port Elgin. Plus, the town is easy to wander on foot or bike as you explore restaurants, shopping, or local events.
- There is a single straight trail that runs through all of MacGregor Point Provincial Park and connects you to many of the park’s shorter trails. The Old Shore Road Trail also carries historical significance as it was once a route for pioneers. The 6km trail (one-way) is great for cyclists, too.
- MacGregor’s Tower Trail, for hikers only, is 3.5km out-and-back as it loops around a wetland area. The trail will lead to a tower that provides views of the wetlands from above, and perfect birding opportunities.
- Port Elgin’s Waterfront Promenade is a paved section of path that also includes a boardwalk section, and access to Port Elgin’s historic break wall. From here, enjoy incredible sunsets over Lake Huron.
Dining in Port Elgin
There are two notable spots for snacks and light meals right beside Port Elgin’s Main Beach. Plus, a walk up Goderich Street will reveal the remainder of Port Elgin’s large local food scene.
- Enjoy the convenience of Beachside Café, Harbourlite Restaurant, or Duffy’s Famous Fish & Chips, all located steps away from the Main Beach.
- The summer weather will call for some patio time with gorgeous patios located up and down Port Elgin’s Goderich Street. These include spots like The Wismer House, Allan’s Fireside Grill, or The Patio British Shop & Café.
- Indulge in the International cuisine around Port Elgin with highly rated spots like Ristorante Rosina, Yummy Yummy, or Saffron.
Summer Events in Port Elgin
A couple of Port Elgin’s summer events offer the convenience of popping up on a weekly basis. And be sure to check out Port Elgin’s big July festival, which is focused on celebrating local music.
- Port Elgin Farmers’ and Artisan Market runs every Wednesday from June to September on the corner of Bricker and Green Street.
- Port Elgin Brews and Blues Fest is in July each summer, with live local blues acts all day, and a huge display of the area’s local breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
- The Saugeen Shores Summer Concert Series takes place at the Emmet McGrath Pavilion every Sunday over the summer.
Beach Cottages & More Ways to Stay in Port Elgin
Port Elgin is a place for family fun, relaxation, water adventures, and beach days. And what better way to spend that time than in a cottage, cabin, or waterfront accommodation? There are numerous cottage communities around Port Eglin in addition to campgrounds, cabin resorts outside of town, and MacGregor Point Provincial Park.
- Get that quintessential beach vacation experience with waterfront accommodation options like the Paradise Inn, or Harbourview & Beachview Cottages. Other local options only a short walk away from the beaches include the Windspire Inn, The Maples Cottages, Summer Breeze Cottages, Backyard Cottages, and several more.
- MacGregor Point Provincial Park offer both camping and glamping experiences with yurts, rustic cabins, and tent/RV sites.
- Camping is also available right in town. The Saugeen Shores operate campgrounds in Port Elgin and Southampton from May to October.
- Plus, there are campgrounds or camping resorts around Port Elgin which also offer the options between campsites, or cabins. These include the Kenorus Campground & RV Resort, Holiday Park, or Hidden Valley Campground.